She's gone digital...

Whipper Snapper Sweet Sniffs of Spring

2012-02-15T05:00:00.056-07:00

I'm so happy I was able to get this card made up and posted for today's Midweek Throwdown challenge at Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps! I've been feeling a little behind on my craftiness lately -

First things first, I have to thank Cindy for sending me a wonderful gift of stamped images recently.

I picked out this Whipper Snapper Sweet Sniffs of Spring stamped image to color for the OWH MWT challenge, our theme is a color challenge and the colors are Green, Blue & Kraft/Tan.

I colored this cute pup with Copic markers B0000, B12, B14, B16, YG25, YG23, YG01, N7, N5, N3, E44, E43, E42, E41. The background is also done with Copic markers the grass being the YG colors and B0000 for the cloudy sky. I tired following the Mojo Monday sketch #228 but it turned out to be mostly "inspirational".

Luckily I can try it again and maybe get a little closer to the sketch above.

I also used a Quickutz sun die that I've had forever, Spellbinders Labels 4 and two Cuttlebug embossing folders. My cardstock colors are Via Vellum Basic Black & Leaf Green & Cyan, Neenah Solar White and I'm not sure if the tan is Neenah Desert Sand or not.

I hope you have time this week to play in our color challenge at Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps!

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:

Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps - Color Challenge
Ladybug Crafts - Spring is in the Air
Make It Monday - Anything Goes
Simon Says Stamp & Show - Anything Goes
Scrappy Frog - Die Cuts
Inky Impressions - Punches & Dies

Can You Digi It Puppy Love

2012-02-14T05:00:00.029-07:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

I have a design team card for our newest challenge at Can You Digi It?!

I chose to use this sweet sleepy Boston Terrier digital stamp because she stole my heart (:

For my card I used Splitcoast Stampers sketch challenge #355 for my layout and paper that was in my gigantic scrap pile beside my paper trimmer. I also used Spellbinders Hearts & Scalloped Hearts dies and a Sizzix embossing folder.

I hope you'll join in on our challenge at Can You Digi It?!, for a chance to win a $10.00 gift certificate to the store!

Edited to add: I've had questions on Facebook about where to buy this digital image so here is a link to the Can You Digi It?! store - have fun (:

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:

Can You Digi It?! - Puppy Love

Digital Delights by Louby Loo Bouquet Ridley

2012-02-13T05:00:00.034-07:00

My card today is for our Stamps R Us "Anything Goes" challenge sponsored by Digital Delights by Louby Loo! It's one of those cards that I'd made up and set the photo aside because I wasn't sure where I wanted to use it. It fits our sponsor and challenge theme so today is the perfect opportunity!

I used Operation Write Home's sketch #82 for my layout and I have a supply list below:

ALL DDSTAMPS USED: Bouquet Ridley

CS AND PAPERS: Neenah Classic Crest Pewter, Mohawk Bright White, Neenah Red Pepper Linen, Astrobrights Galaxy Gold, Via Basic Black
INK: HP OfficeJet printer
ACCESS. AND EMBELLISHMENTS: Star punch, crochet thread
SPECIAL TECHNIQUES (if any): Sketch challenge – Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps #82 & Stamps R Us Anything Goes challenge sponsored by Digital Delights by Louby Loo

I have some news about our Stamps R Us challenge blog to share with you today too.

I've decided to close the Stamps R Us challenge blog February 27th, this will be our last challenge. We'll close our InLinkz entries Feb. 27th and draw a winner at that time.

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:

Stamps R Us - Anything Goes

Notes From Home - Band Practice With Maxine

2012-02-12T05:00:00.022-07:00

I have some family photos to share today.

Our kids are in band and need to practice everyday after school.

Jenny & Michael have made it into advanced band and I think they sound pretty good.

Maxine on the other hand...

likes to sing along as they play!

She's under the table here waiting for them to be finished giving us a groan every now and then.

These practice times would be a good video opportunity but each time I get out the video camera she stops singing for us, lol.

Have a blessed day!

Digital Delights by Louby Loo Critter Hearts

2012-02-11T05:00:00.017-07:00

Happy Saturday, I have another cute Valentine to share today made with the Critter Hearts digital stamp set from Digital Delights by Louby Loo! Is this not the cutest monkey you've ever seen?!

I made another pop up card just for fun with the pre-colored Critter Hearts set. What a fun way to make cute, quick Valentines, love it!

I have a supply list for my card today:

ALL DDSTAMPS USED: Critter Hearts

CS AND PAPERS: Mohawk Bright White, Via Vellum Scarlet, Stampin’ Up! Blush Blossom, Astro Brights Jupiter Java
INK: HP OfficeJet 6000
ACCENTS. AND EMBELLISHMENTS: Spellbinders Rectangles & Scalloped Rectangles, Sizzix embossing foler, Stampin’ Up! 1” circle punch, Scor - Tape
SPECIAL TECHNIQUES: Pop Up Card

Have a great weekend and thank you for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:
Party Time Tuesday's - Valentine's
Crafting For All Season's - Love Is In The Air
Divas By Design - Love
Fab 'n Funky - Love Is In The Air
My Mum's Craft Shop - Love Is In The Air
The Paper Shelter - Be My Valentine
Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenge - Love Is In The Air
The Sisterhood of Crafters - Valentines

Doodle Pantry Bird Bath Joy

2012-02-10T05:00:00.034-07:00

It's kind of a gloomy day here in Arizona so my bright happy card helps bring some sunshine back into the day. We are used to having bright sunshine and blue skies year round in the part of the country we live in so today is the exception.

I have a Doodle Pantry design team card to share with you today, I used Bird Bath Joy in it's pre-colored version along with two of the digital papers that come in this set. I love the way Laurie colors her images and makes matching papers. All I need is a sketch and I'm inspired to make a fun Doodle Pantry card! There are also sentiments that come with this set and I used one on the inside, it says "Wishing you this kind of happy".

The supplies I used are Astrobrights Blast Off Blue, Mohawk Bright White and Via Vellum Leaf Green. I pulled out my Grands Spellbinders circles and my one of my button jars to find the perfect match to my blue paper with old Stampin' Up! buttons. I added a little crotchet thread before I glued them down and I also used a Corner Chomper on the edges of the image panels.

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:
Charisma Cardz - Things With Wings
Craft Us Crazy - Anything Goes
Moving Along With The Times - Cute Critters

Digital Delights by Louby Loo BBQ Dog

2012-02-09T05:00:00.031-07:00

I had to try out this weeks Operation Write Home sketch #107 for my Digital Delights by Louby Loo design team card. I chose to work with "BBQ Dog" and thought this layout would be nice for what I had in mind. The panel on the bottom sparked the idea of a table cloth with my BBQ Dog, lol. Since there isn't any other BBQ items in my "scene" you might not see it that way but that's what was in my mind. Maybe I should find some other BBQ items to use over at Digital Delights by Louby Loo and try the "scene" again one day soon.

I should mention that the red and white checked paper is from the digital paper pack Fabulous Fifties by Digital Delights by Louby Loo. It's actually black and white and I used it here. I re-colored it in my Publisher program to fit my idea, I have a step by step tutorial here to see how to do that if you've never tried it before.

I have a supply list for my card today below:

ALL DDSTAMPS USED: BBQ Dog

CS AND PAPERS: Fabulous Fifties paper pack, Neenah Solar White, Via Basic Black
INK: HP LaserJet printer
MARKERS: Copic sketch E44, E43, E42, E41, B000, B0000, YG67, YG23, YG01, YG25, T3, T5, E02, E04
ACCESS. AND EMBELLISHMENTS: Cuttlebug swiss dots embossing folder, Black Organdy Ribbon, Kaiser Craft Black half pearls
SPECIAL TECHNIQUES (if any): Sketch challenge – Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps #107

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:

Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps - Sketch #107

Whipper Snapper Easter Bunny Trio

2012-02-08T05:00:00.069-07:00

I have a fun piece of a project I've been working on to share with you today.

Back in November I decided to make a 2012 mini calendar and do a class with a couple of my friends, the plan was to make three calendar layouts a week so we'd have a nice Christmas gift for someone special. As you may already know my husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer December 8th and my calendar project kind of went by the way side. My husband is doing well so far, we are waiting to see the next doctor before he can start treatment possibly at the end of this month.

My calendar isn't done yet but I haven't given up and I do have one more layout finished.

I started with Clear Dollar Stamps Year Round Calendar then stamped the cute Easter Bunny Trio stamp by Whipper Snapper and went to work coloring with Copic markers. The markers I used are: RV00, RV02, RV04, YR65, YR68, W0, W1, E41, E42, E43, B21, B23, B41, V01, V12, V15, YG01, YG23, YG25. After I had it colored I matted the image panel with Discount Cardstock's Royal Blue and then added it to a 5 1/2 X 5 1/2 inch square of Stampin' Up! Pixie Pink. I felt like it "needed something" so I embossed the edges of the pink with a fun Sizzix embossing folder and punched the holes in the top with the bind It All after I took this picture.

I also wanted to let you know that we have a new Midweek Throwdown challenge at Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps with an "Easter" theme. I don't think my calendar page qualifies for the challenge but it does have an "Easter theme" (: The deadline to send our Easter cards for our troops to write home on at Operation Write Home is February 15, I'd better get my box sealed up and in the mail soon! There are also a bunch of other fun challenges going on at the Stars & Stamps blog this week in recognition of the first ever OWH Cruise!

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:

Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps - Easter
365 Cards - Marvelous Markers
City Crafter - Colors of the Rainbow
Digital Tuesday - Pink or Red
My Time To Craft - A is for Adorable
Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes
Make It Monday - Anything Goes
Paper Pretties - Texture
Scrapbook Sisterz - Anything Goes

Robyn's Fetish Randy Valentine Boy

2012-02-06T05:00:00.021-07:00

We have a new challenge starting today at Seems A Little Sketchy, number 6!

Our sponsor is Robyn's Fetish and I chose Randy Valentine Boy to work with. He's colored with Copic markers B99, B97, B95, B93, B91, W9, W7, W5, W3, W1, R59, R46, R35, R20, E47, E44, E43, E42, E41, E00, E01, E000, C0. I also used Spellbinders circles, Papertrey Ink ric rak and a flower die by Die-namics (?).

Cardstock colors are Neenah Patriot Blue & Red Pepper Linen, Copic X Press It and the patterned paper is from a digital set called Heart A Flutter by Doodle Pantry.

I hope you'll stop by our challenge blog to see all the wonderful creations from our design team and join in on our sketch challenge!

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:

Digital Delights by Louby Loo

2012-02-05T05:00:00.002-07:00

Digital Delights by Louby Loo February sale!

Digital Delights by Louby Loo Critter Hearts

2012-02-04T05:00:00.027-07:00

I have a fun Valentine to share today made with a new colored digital stamp set from Digital Delights by Louby Loo called Critter Hearts. Isn't Elvin the Toad cute?!

I've made pop up cards before and thought they'd make cute Valentine's, I found the recipe for my card under resources on Splitcoast Stampers several months ago.

I have a photo of my card closed, it doesn't close up flat since I've played with it to make it "pop up"!

I miss the "clean layered look" I had but I like the way it slides open even better (:

I have a supply list for my card today:

ALL DDSTAMPS USED: Critter Hearts

CS AND PAPERS: Mohawk Bright White, Neenah Red Pepper Linen, Via Vellum Leaf
INK: HP OfficeJet 6000
ACCENTS. AND EMBELLISHMENTS: Spellbinders Hearts & Scalloped Hearts, Cuttlebug embossing foler, Stampin’ Up! 1” circle punch, Scor - Tape
SPECIAL TECHNIQUES: Pop Up Card

Be sure to check out the Digital Delights by Louby Loo February sale too!

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:
Stampin' For The Weekend - Embossing

Doodle Pantry

2012-02-03T08:42:00.001-07:00

Doodle Pantry has a bunch of new releases and our next challenge starts too.

...and, how about a customer

appreciation mini sale?

From Feb 1 thru Feb 14 you can use this coupon code below in the field at the bottom of your shopping cart and get 20% off!*

(*NOT applicable to gift certificates, AND cannot be combined with other coupons)

LUVMYCUSTOMERS

Don't forget to add the Football & Helmet to your cart to get it FREE with your purchase from Feb 1-24!

February's FREE w/purchase special!
FEBRUARY 1 thru 24 ONLY

This product, FOOTBALL & HELMET, is free with any purchase.

Just add it to your cart of other purchases!

Our next Challenge, DPDC20

starts on February 1!

Deadline to enter is the 24th late in the evening

8:00 pm central time (9:00 pm eastern time)

Below will be the complimentary featured product you can receive
just for playing with us! COCOA CUP ANTS
NOTE: This set is NOT for sale yet! To get it free, just play in our challenge from Feb 1 - 24. After that, it will be put for sale.

Doodle Pantry Heart Sheep

2012-02-03T05:00:00.002-07:00

HEY! MY CARD FROM JANUARY 31st IS BEING FEATURED ON "INSPIRE ME FRIDAY'S" ALONG WITH SOME OTHER GREAT PROJECTS! HOW FUN, THANK YOU MARIA!!

I have a fun card to share with you today using pre-colored digital images and papers by The Doodle Pantry.

The name of the digital stamp set is Heart Sheep and the digital paper is called Hearts A Flutter. These would be perfect for Valentine cards but I thought they'd also be perfect for cards for Operation Write Home. What wife waiting at home wouldn't love to get a card telling her how happy she makes the man in her life, this cute sheep would even make great kids cards for OWH.

My card layout is Splitcoast Stampers SC#306 again flipped on it's side, I can't seem to get enough of this sketch. Hope you don't mind! I used Spellbinders hearts, circles and ovals dies and also used a Sizzix heart embossing folder to emboss the red heart, that was a fun experiment.

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:
Crafty Purple Frog - Valentine's
DRS Designs - Hearts
Inspire Me Friday's - Anything Goes
Simply Create Too - Love is in the air
Wags n Whiskers - Valentine's

Digital Delights by Louby Loo Praying Girl

2012-02-02T05:00:00.027-07:00

We have new releases today at Digital Delights by Louby Loo!

My card today uses two digital stamps that are new, Praying Girl and Bedtime Prayers sentiments.

I kept my layout simple to showcase this cute image and I have a supply list for you below:

ALL DDSTAMPS USED: Praying Girl & Bedtime Prayers sentiment digital stamp set

CS AND PAPERS: Copic X Press It, Mohawk Bright White, Stampin’ Up! Cameo Coral & Ballet Blue

INK: HP LaserJet printer & Copic markers – E50, E42, E43, B21, B23, R20, R21, R22, E00, E000
ACCESSORIES AND EMBELLISHMENTS: Martha Stewart Punch Around the page punch set, Cuttlebug dots embossing folder 5”X7”, Stampin’ Up! Oval punches

Be sure to stop by Digital Delights by Louby Loo to see all the fun new releases and wonderful design team inspiration!

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:

Doodle Pantry Cocoa Ants

2012-02-01T03:00:00.033-07:00

I have another Doodle Pantry card for you today!

It's new release day at Doodle Pantry and I made my card using the new Cocoa Ants digital stamp set!

I love Laurie's Ants, it doesn't matter what kind of adventure or mischief they're getting into I have to have them in my collection of digital images. I hope you'll stop by Doodle Pantry to see all the new release sets and all the wonderful inspiration from our design team.

I used both digital papers that come in this stamp set as well as Via Vellum Basic Black, Astrobrights Solar Yellow, Neenah Red Pepper Linen and Discount Cardstocks' Royal Blue. The digital image is printed on Mohawk Bright White. I printed one of the sentiments that comes in this set on my Solar Yellow cardstock and used Spellbinders dies to accentuate Laurie's cute Cocoa Ants image.

My card is also for our Midweek Throwdown challenge at Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps, the them this week is to use die cuts on your card.

Thanks for visiting my blog today!

Challenges:

Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps - Use Die Cuts
Stamping With The Dragon - Anything Goes

Robyn's Fetish Ms. Lambchop

2012-01-30T05:00:00.030-07:00

We have a new challenge starting at Stamps R Us today!

Our theme is Valentine/Love and our wonderful sponsor is Robyn's Fetish. Our team has had the fun of working with several Robyn's Fetish images, I chose to use Ms. Lambchop & I hope you'll stop by our challenge blog to see all our teams fabulous inspiration.

She's colored with Copic markers R59, R46, R35, E43, E44, E47, YG23, YG25, B0000, G0000, R000, R01. I used Spellbinders and Die-namics dies as well as a Sizzix embossing folder. My "miss ewe" sentiment is computer generated and I added amber rhinestones to the flower centers for a little bling.

I hope you'll join us for our Valentine/Love challenge at Stamps R Us!

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:

Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps - Glitterfree Bling
Digi Doodle Shop - Anything Goes
Bloggers Challenge - Texurize It
Chocolate, Coffee & Cards - Thinking of You, Missing You

Whimsie Doodles Valentine Fish

2012-01-29T05:00:00.038-07:00

I have one more Whimsie Doodles card to share with you today before my time as their January Guest Designer is finished. This cutie is called Valentine Fish. It's colored with Copic markers using a "feathering technique" where you blend two different color families together. I haven't done that for awhile and this fish looked like the perfect opportunity to give it a try. The Copic marker colors I used are BG10, BG11, BG13, B0000, YG01, YG03, YG13 and the "waves" are Copic X Press It colored with the BG10 marker.

My paper choices are Via Vellum Basic Black, Stampin' Up! Taken With Teal, Hero Arts Meadow & Copic X Press It. I added a little texture to the Meadow panel with a Cuttlebug embossing folder and the "waves" are made from a Papertrey Ink. scalloped border die. My layout started with an Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps sketch from earlier this month but it doesn't look much like the sketch anymore.

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:

Craft Us Crazy - Full of Love
Poodles Parlor - Valentine/Love
Stempelsonne - Valentine's

Whimsie Doodles I Tried...

2012-01-27T05:00:00.028-07:00

I really think this Whimsie Doodles "I Tried" dog is cute - caught with a bite out of the cupcake!

I've been trying to catch up on sketches I'd like to use but haven't had the time, my layout is PPA 120. This cute pooch is colored with Copic markers BG49, BG45, BG15, E50, E51, E53, E55, R24, R22, R21, R20, W7, W5, W3, W1, Y26, Y32, Y21. My paper choices are Via Vellum Basic Black, Stampin' Up! Cameo Coral, Neenah Red Pepper Linen, Memory Box Bayou & Copic Xpress It.

I think my card could use some embossed texture on the Cameo Coral panel but I couldn't go back and add it after I put the big gold eyelet in. Oh after thoughts... I also added Stickles Ice to the cupcake frosting.

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:

Digital Delights by Louby Loo Thank You Flower Pot

2012-01-26T05:00:00.033-07:00

I have a Digital Delights by Louby Loo design team card to share today!

I used Thank You Flower Pot and had fun coloring it with my Copic markers. The layout is a sketch I've been playing with and changed the shapes a little to make it different.

I have a supply list for you today:

ALL DDSTAMPS USED: Thank You Flower Pot

CS AND PAPERS: Astro Brights Jupiter Java, Stampin’ Up! More Mustard, Neenah Red Pepper Linen, via Vellum Leaf Green, Discount Cardstock Royal Blue, Copic X Press It
INK: HP LaserJet
MARKERS: Copic YG25, YG23, YG21, E47, E39, E37, E35, E34, YR21, R59, R46, R35, B23, B21
ACCESS. AND EMBELLISHMENTS: Spellbinders Circles & Long Narrow Rectangles, Cuttlebug embossing folders
COLORING MEDIUM: Copic markers
SPECIAL TECHNIQUES: Cuttlebug embossing inside a Spellbinders die

Be sure not to miss out on the sale going on at Digital Delights by Louby Loo, only a few more days!

Save up to 50% on the majority of our Christmas products PLUS save an additional 20% when you spend $10 or more(Excludes DVDs, watermarks and custom blogs)

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:
My Mum's Craft Shop - Flowers
Make It Monday - Anything Goes
Truly Madly Crafty - Anything Goes

Doodle Pantry Flaming Hot Ants

2012-01-24T05:00:00.001-07:00

I'm a big fan of Doodle Pantry's Ants collection and this new release "Flaming Hot Ants" set for January was a must have for my personal collection! What a fun Valentine or Any Occasion card this turned out to be!

Along with the Flaming Hot Ants I used two of the digital papers that come in this set, there are also fun sentiments but I didn't find a good place to add one and believe me I tried! My layout is Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps sketch #100, just perfect for this fun pre-colored digital image!

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:

Stamping Dragon Purfect Love

2012-01-23T00:02:00.019-07:00

It's time for a new sketch challenge at Seems A Little Sketchy, we're up to #5 already!

Our sponsor for this challenge is Stamping Dragon, I chose to use their Perfect Love digital image for my sketch card. It's colored with Copic markers and I used a couple of different Spellbinders dies as well as a Sizzix Hearts embossing folder. Cardstock colors are Stampin' Up! Brocade Blue & YoYo Yellow, Neenah Red Pepper Linen, Copic X Press It & Mohawk Bright White.

I hope you'll stop by our Seems A Little Sketchy challenge blog and see all the wonderful inspiration from our design team and play along in our sketch challenge too!

Challenges:

Seems A Little Sketchy - Sketch #5

Doodle Pantry Vintage Phone

2012-01-20T05:00:00.000-07:00

I have a Doodle Pantry January new release card to share with you today!

The digital stamp set I used is called Vintage Phone and I colored it with Copic markers in the neutral gray family, N1, N3, N5, N7, N9 after printing it on Copic X Press It blending card. The sentiment is also from this fun digital stamp set.

I wanted to go with an old fashioned theme for my card and keep it black and white but added a splash of red and a scrap of flowered patterned paper. I also used a few of my neglected Spellbinders dies, Mega Ovals and Mega Scalloped Ovals, Long Skinny Rectangles & Long Skinny Scalloped Rectangles. To dress up the white panel I used a Cuttlebug Script embossing folder and to finish it off I added three black half pearls.

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:
Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps - Color Challenge

Digital Delights by Louby Loo Down On The Farm

2012-01-19T05:00:00.002-07:00

I have another fun Digital Delights by Louby Loo card to share with your today! I used digital images from the Down on The Farm and Down on The Farm sentiment sets - aren't they cute?!

I have a supply list for you today so my blog post is a quick one!

Supply List:

Stamps:DDLL Down On The Farm, Farm Sentiments, SU Paisley Background
CS & Papers: Via Vellum Basic Black, Neenah Red Pepper Linen, SU Brocade Blue, Copic X Press It
Ink: HP LaserJet
Markers: markers YG09, YG06, YG05, E49, E47, E44, E43, E42, E41, E37, E31, E04, E02, E01, E00, E000, R20, R35, R46, R59, B91, B93, B95, B97
Accessories, and embellishments: Spellbinders circles & pinking circles
Coloring Medium: Copic sketch markers

Thanks for visiting my blog today!

Challenges:

Can You Digi It Stressed Mutt & Curly Girl

2012-01-18T04:00:00.003-07:00

Welcome to our grand opening blog hop for Can You Digi It?!

If you've arrived here from Dana's blog you're on the right track, if not and you'd like to start at the beginning click here.

I have two cards to share today made with Can You Digi It digital images, the first image is called "Stressed Mutt" and is colored with Copic markers.

My second card uses "Curly Girl" and is also colored with Copic markers.

Once you're done hopping, you'll want to stop by the store for the fabulous SALE we have going on right now. Don't forget to use CYDIGOC15 to get 15% off all non-digital goodies in addition to the products our artists have put on sale.

The sale/coupon ends Friday, January 27th when Michelle gets on the plane for CHA. Make sure you are a C.Y.D.I? Twitter follower to get all the updates from CHA!

Your next stop is Patty!
In case you get lost along the way:

C.Y.D.I? Blog - http://canyoudigiit.com/blog

Michelle Single (store owner) - http://www.wannastamp.com

Lelia Pierce (DT coordinator) - http://greengoddescreations.blogspot.com/

April O'Connor - http://aprilsalley.blogspot.com/

Toni Storie (CYDI friend) - http://sweetpeasstory.blogspot.com/

Dana Alley - http://www.craftewho.blogspot.com/

Jan Hunnicutt (guest designer) - http://jans-gonestampin.blogspot.com/

Patty Chalas - http://www.patriciachalasstudio.blogspot.com/

Nancy Williams (guest designer) - http://whatsonmykitchencounter.blogspot.com/

Hannah Clark (artist coordinator) - http://delightfullydistressing.blogspot.com/

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:
Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps - Black & White With A Splash of Color

Whimsie Doodles Shy Cupid

2012-01-17T05:00:00.020-07:00

With Valentine's Day less than a month away I have a fun Whimsie Doodles card to share with you today!

She's called "Shy Cupid" and I colored her with Copic markers R59, R46, R35, R32, BV00, BV000, BV0000, YR24, YR21, YR14, Y21, E000, E00, E01, E02, E42, E43, E44, E47. I also made the patterned paper using Copic markers and Copic Blending solution with a background stamp.

My layout is Operation Write Home Sketch #99, papers used are Copic Xpress It, Via Vellum Basic Black, Nut Brown. I also added a little Stickles Ice with a paint brush to her wings for some sparkle.

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:

Bug A Boo Stamps Cowboy

2012-01-16T05:00:00.023-07:00

I used a cute image from the Cowboy Collection for our Stamps R Us "Just Kidding Around" challenge sponsored by Bugaboo Stamps today. He is colored with Copic markers E41, E42, E43, E44, E00, E000, R02, R37, R24, R22, B97, B45, B21, W3, W1, W0, C6, C3, C1, C00, Y13, Y15, Y18, YG11, YG13, YG17.

The layout and sentiment for my card were inspired by Operation Write Home, I thought using the horse shoe to spell out "miss you" would be great for a service person to send home to their child.

Especially a little cowboy!

I used Stampin' Up! Brocade Blue, Kraft, Neenah Solar White and Red Linen card stocks. The red panel was stamped with the Paisley background stamp by Stampin' Up! and the Kraft panel was embossed with a Sizzix embossing folder. I also used the Stampin' Up! Just Jeans background stamp on the Brocade Blue. The "miss" part of the sentiment was computer generated.

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:

Stamps R Us - Just Kidding Around

Digital Delights Rockabily Richie

2012-01-12T05:00:00.047-07:00

It's new release day at Digital Delights by Louby Loo and I'm one of their newest design team members!

For my sample card I used Rockabily Richie, Fabulous Fifties Digital Paper Pack & the 50's Sentiment Collection. I colored Richie with Copic markers, I'll have a supply list for you below and my layout is Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps sketch challenge #99.

I hope you'll stop by our Digital Delights by Louby Loo blog to see all the fabulous new images and sample cards by our design team!

Supply List:

ALL DDSTAMPS USED: Rockabily Richie, 50's Sentiment Collection, Fabulous Fifites Digital paper pack
CS AND PAPERS: Copic X Press It, Basic Black, Digital Delights Fabulous fifties digital paper pack
INK: HP LaserJet
MARKERS (if any): Copic E000, E00, E01, E02, E04, W9, W7, W5, W4, W3, W0, BG01, B00, R20, C8, C6, C4, C3, C1, C0, C00, B99, B97, B95, B93, B91
COLORING MEDIUM (if any): Copic sketch markers
SPECIAL TECHNIQUES (if any): Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps sketch challenge #99

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:

Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps - Sketch challenge #99
Lexi's Creations - Anything Goes
Stamp & Create - Anything Goes
Truely Madly Crafty - Anything Goes

Bugaboo Stamps Flower Scene It

2012-01-11T05:00:00.025-07:00

Our new challenge theme at Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps this week is "Floral Fantasy". I used my Stampin' Up! color wheel to choose colors for my card so my color choices are Orchid Opulence, More Mustard, Mellow Moss, Mint Melody & Bliss Blue. My cardstock choices were Mellow Moss & Orchid Opulence but since I didn't have those I used Sorbet Grape and The Paper Mill Deep Pine because they were close.

I used Copic markers V17, V15, V12, Y26, Y23, Y21, YR14, YG91, YG93, YG95, YG97, B21, B23, BG10, BG11, BG13, E43, E44, E42, T5, T3 my layout is very simple to showcase Jodie's fabulous image, "Mom" is a digi from a Clear Dollar Stamps set punched out and matted using Stampin' Up! oval punches. I also found the cutest sentiment for the inside about ladybugs at Create With TLC.

Thanks for visiting my blog today!

Challenges:

Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps - Floral Fantasy

Whimsie Doodles New Year Dragon

2012-01-10T05:00:00.063-07:00

I have a fun card to share with you today made with Whimsie Doodles New Year Dragon.

I must say I really enjoyed coloring this cute dragon and making the patterned paper with my Copic markers!

Whimsie Doodles newest challenge starts today and the theme is, "What's New?!!" I thought the New Year Dragon would be perfect for it!

The Copic markers I used are BG01, B04, B05, RV00, RV55, RV66, YG0000YG01, YG03, YG13, YG17, YG25, YG67. Since this cute dragon is holding a Chinese lantern I tried to do my best to get my "light source" right and I'm very happy with it. I also tried to use (some) different colors for my markers. The BG01 with the blues was a total oops I thought you were a blue one, but it worked quite nicely. I noticed the BG color after I had the scarf colored, a happy accident you could call it.

My paper choices are Via Vellum Leaf Green and Basic Black, Colormates Pool & Stampin' Up! Pixie Pink, yikes right? I used Stampin' Up's color wheel to make my color choices to move me out of my proverbial "color box". The New Year Dragon was printed on Copic Xpress It using an HP LaserJet printer.

I thought another green paper panel looked a little boring and had a scrap of Copic Xpress It blending card left over so I brought out my handy Tim Holtz see through ruler and randomly picked up my blue and green Copic markers to use. Using the chisel tip I colored an approximate 1/2 inch line using BG01, B04, B05, YG25, YG17, set it aside to dry and went to look for one of my favorite background stamps. After the Copic Xpress It was dry (that's an important part) I used a Kaiser Craft Flourish acrylic stamp that I'd spritzed with Copic Blending solution and stamped. I leave the stamp on the paper longer than I normally would when I do this. When the Copic Blending solution dries is takes the color from the markers away with it and leaves an interesting design.

The Happy New Year sentiment comes with the New Year Dragon, I separated it out and copied and pasted it three times so I could use it on my card after cutting it out with the Stampin' Up! word window punch. I also added a Basic Black shadow under the Pixie Pink just to give it a little ??? well, you know!

The layout for my card is Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps sketch #96 pictured below.

I hope you enjoyed reading about the process of making my card today. I hope you'll be inspired and play along in our challenge on the Whimsie Doodles blog too!

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:

Whimsie Doodles - What's New?!!
Craft Your Passion - Mythical Creatures
Crafty Boots - New Beginnings
Crafty Cardmarkers - No Floral Embellishments
iCopic Lover - The Blues
Make It Monday - Anything Goes
Ooh La La - New Beginnings

Crafty Sentiments Charles Just Relax

2012-01-09T00:02:00.037-07:00

It's time for a new sketch challenge at our Seems A Little Sketchy blog today!

Our fabulous sponsor is Crafty Sentiments, I had so much fun using "Charles Just Relax" for my card - what an adorable image! It's colored with Copic markers C00, C0, C1, C2, BG10, BG000, BG70, BG45, BG49, T5, T3, T1, T0, W0, W1, RV10, G0000, B0000, E99, E29, E25, E53.

The cardstock colors are Via Vellum Baisc Black, Astrobrights Jupitar Java, Stampin' Up! Taken With Teal & Copic X Press It. I added some black and white half pearls and embossing to mimic the bubbles, the sentiment is also by Crafty Sentiments and was cut out with Spellbinders dies and the arrow is an Accu-Cut die that I've had for a very long time.

I used a new to me Copic color combination on the towels and really like the way it matches the Stampin' Up! Taken With Teal cardstock, they were BG45 & BG49.

I hope you'll stop by our Seems A Little Sketchy blog to see all the inspirational cards our design team has made for this challenge and to play in our fun sketch challenge!

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:

Seems A Little Sketchy - Sketch Challenge #4

Doodle Pantry Tribute

2012-01-08T05:00:00.000-07:00

I want to pay tribute to some of the wonderful Doodle Pantry images I used in 2011 today.

I started on the Doodle Pantry design team April 2011 and LOVE Laurie's pre-colored digital images. They are perfect for all of my card making needs, from family birthday's to cards for Operation Write Home.

May 2011

June 2011

September 2011

November 2011

It's difficult to pick just a few so I kept it to my favorites from last year.

If you'd like to read more about the actual cards I've added links to the dates below the cards that will take you to the original blog posts. I hope you enjoyed looking back with me at my favorite Doodle Pantry cards for 2011. Have a blessed day!

Challenges:

Whimsie Doodles Valentine Girl

2012-01-05T05:00:00.049-07:00

I love Whimsie Doodles digital images and I'm happy to tell you that I'm their January Guest Designer!

Today is new release day at Whimsie Doodles and you're in for a treat, there are lots of really cute new digital designs to see so be sure to stop by there too!

My card uses Valentine Girl, she's colored with Copic markers R46, R29, R24, R22, E000, E00, E01, BV00, BV000, BV0000, C6, C8, C10. This was a cute quick little image to color. I do have to tell you that I had a hard time though... My first image is below, my R27 marker has a clogged tip and I didn't have any extras on hand to change it out with or a refill for R27 so I had to try a different color combination.

Wouldn't you know it's the last thing I colored too!

A quick word of warning - take good care of your Copic markers so you don't have this problem.

I'm not sure what I got into with my R27 marker that caused the problem either.

I looked through my file of sketches for inspiration for my card, the layout is Skipping Stones Design Sketch #106. I made my paper choices after settling on the sketch, I used Via Vellum Basic Black, Copic Xpress It, Neenah Red Pepper Linen, Via Linen Violet & Stampin' Up! Lavender Lace. To mimic the polka dots in the digital image I used a Sizzix embossing folder on the Lavender Lace panel.

My card will go in my Operation Write Home box, the deadline for Valentine's has passed but this will be a perfect "Love You" card for someone.

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:

The Stamping Boutique Baby Fairy

2012-01-03T05:00:00.001-07:00

I'm really excited to share my card with you today! I used a digital image called Baby Fairy by The Stamping Boutique. I had so much fun making this card, coloring it was a pleasure and the layout was totally fun. The layout is the sketch challenge from Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps. It's one of those I want to make over and over just to see what it looks like with a different image.

I used De Lovely papers, matted everything in black added three Want2Stamp half pearls and the "sweet baby" stamp is from a Papertrey Ink stamp set.

We have a new challenge starting today at Stamps R Us!

The theme is "Show Us What You Got!" - use what ever stamps, digital images, supplies you'd like that maybe you received for Christmas? It's basically an "anything goes" challenge. Our fabulous sponsor is The Stamping Boutique. I hope you'll stop by our Stamps R Us challenge blog to see everything our design team has made and play along in our challenge!

My post today is also part of the Happy New Year Blogaholic Social Networks Blog Hop, which is a link party! My New Years resolution is to make more cards for Operation Write Home!
If you are interested in participating click the link above.

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:

Stamps R Us - Show Us What You Got
Crafty Boots - Celebrations
Daisy Doodles - New Beginnings
Incy Wincy - Anything Goes
Magical Monday's - Anything Magical Goes
Make It Monday - Anything Goes

Crafter's Cafe Design Team Call

2012-01-02T09:07:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd post this on my blog today, I received an e mail from The Crafter's Cafe this morning.

As I was blog hopping over the holiday weekend I noticed some of my friends New Year wishes were to be on a design team - maybe you'd like to apply?!

JOIN OUR TEAM!! BE A DESIGNER FOR THE CRAFTER'S CAFE!!

Hi Everybody!!
I am so pleased to announce some very exciting changes for The Crafter's Cafe!
We have started a BRAND NEW CHALLENGE BLOG!!
You can find it HERE AT THIS LINK!
We are looking for a few creative people to join OUR DESIGN TEAM!!
Here are the requirements:

You will create TWO (2) projects a month for the Challenge Blog
You will actively participate in events at The Crafter's Cafe as much as you can!
You will be involved in planning events at TCC and will hopefully provide samples for events as needed (we have "events" once every other month, so this is NOT a lot of extra work)
You should have an active blog to promote our challenges and events

Here are the benefits:

You will receive a variety of images from our sponsors
Your blog and artwork will be prominently displayed on our Challenge Blog AND at the TCC Community
You will make LOTS of new friends and build great relationships at TCC.
You will have FUN!!!!!!!

To join our team, please send a few photos of your favorite projects and answer the following questions:

Can you tell me about you?
What do you love about creating paper projects?
Do you work with any other Design Teams?

Please send applications to: crafterscafemail@gmail.com

Doodle Pantry Quirky Mouse

2012-01-01T05:00:00.023-07:00

Happy New Year!

We have new releases at Doodle Pantry today and Laurie has a bunch of really cute digital images, pre-colored digital images and papers!

For my sample card I used Quirky Mouse in one of the pre-colored versions as well as the two digital papers that come in the set and one of the cute sentiments. For my layout I used Splitcoast Stampers sketch #363 to make a fun quick card to send to one of my friends!

Be sure to stop by Doodle Pantry today to see all the cute new releases and sample cards made by our very talented design team.

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Operation Write Home 2011 Top Ten Cards

2011-12-31T05:00:00.043-07:00

I thought it would be fun to do a tribute to Operation Write Home cards for 2011.

I'm posting my top ten favorite cards for 2011,

that I made for Operation Write Home.

Most of the layouts for these cards are Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps sketch challenges.

Some of the images are colored with Copic markers and some are pre-colored digital images.

Most of the patterned papers and sentiments are digital.

A couple are "Any Hero" cards...

others were for fund raisers for Operation Write Home,

gratitude and appreciation,

and just the pure love of it.

I hope you enjoyed seeing my top ten favorite cards made for Operation Write Home 2011.

If you just "happened" upon my blog post and would like to see where all the Operation Write Home Top Ten Favorite Cards are I have a link for you: OWH Stars & Stamps blog.

Happy New Year!

Jan

Notes From Home

2011-12-30T19:26:00.001-07:00

I have an update about my husband Rick for our family and friends.

We went for his first Oncologist's appointment Thursday morning (12/29/11) in Lake Havasu City. The doctor talked with us about options for the treatment of his prostate cancer. There are about six different ways to treat his type, which as far as they can tell is a slow growing, contained to the prostate type of cancer. Rick has essentially narrowed it down to two of the options. He's considering a Radical Prostatectomy or Brachytherapy. A Radical Prostatectomy (LINK CAUTION - BODY PARTS YOU MIGHT NOT WANT TO SEE) is a surgery where the prostate gland is removed and the Brachytherapy is a procedure where radioactive seeds are implanted into the prostate to kill the cancer. His oncologist told us along with the treatment Rick chooses he'll be given Hormone (androgen deprivation) therapy as well.

The next step in the process is to have a bone scan to make sure the prostate cancer has not spread to his bones. We have the order and will make the appointment the beginning of next week. He also has an appointment with his urologist Thursday, January 5th. We were told at that appointment we'd need to have made a decision about what treatment he'd be doing. I actually think we need to hold off until we have the results of the bone scan before we can do that.

Our day today has been spent mostly checking into our medical insurance, what it covers, co-pays, deductibles, out of pocket costs, etc. It's been interesting and again we've learned a lot. That family plan of medical insurance that takes more than half of his retirement check is looking pretty good right now.

I'll update again when we know something new. Thanks for your love and care.

Inky Antics Charming Kitties

2011-12-30T05:00:00.000-07:00

I have a couple of fun cards to share with you today using acrylic stamps from Inky Antics. This set is called Charming Kitties and I bought it at Sugar Shack in Lake Havasu.

My layout is a Splitcoast Stampers sketch challenge #355. I used Copic X Press It blending card, Basic Grey Ambrosia designer paper, Basic Black, Neenah Classic Crest Pewter & Stampin' Up! Only Orange as well as Mohawk Bright White for the card base.

Copic markers are pictured below:

I have a second card using this cute stamp set too.

All the supplies used are the same except for the buttons from my stash and some crochet thread and I used a different embossing folders made by Sizzix and Cuttlebug. The layout for this card is from Sweet Sunday Sketch #136.

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:

Doodle Pantry Heart Sheep

2011-12-29T05:00:00.023-07:00

Exciting news!!!

I wanted to take a moment today to let you know Doodle Pantry is having a sale!

You need to go check out the Doodle Pantry store!

My card uses Doodle Pantry's Heart Sheep and Hearts A Flutter digital papers and now you can have them for your very own for half off!

I copied and pasted Laurie's Doodle Pantry e mail below!

2011-12-29T04:55:00.003-07:00

WHAT'S NEW for a special END OF YEAR mini release!

~~OUR LATEST RELEASES~~

We've decided to release 3 products today, and a fourth mini free w/purchase.
CLICK TO SEE LATEST RELEASES

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This one is free w/purchase ONLY from Dec 29-Dec 31!
LIL HUMMER

SPECIAL: Get 50% off all digital images (excludes watermarks and gift certificates)

from December 29 thru January 2!

Just enter RINGITIN in the coupon field at the bottom of the cart and click SUBMIT to see the discount apply to the total, and then checkout.

And on Jan 1, there will be MORE products released, including another free w/purchase from Jan 1-24, so I hope you'll come back on the 1st to check it out!

Our next Challenge, DPDC19

starts on January 1!

Deadline to enter is the 24th late in the evening

8:00 pm central time (9:00 pm pacific time)

Below will be the complimentary featured product just for playing with us.
WORKOUT BIRDIE NOTE: This set is NOT for sale during the challenge period! To get it free, just play in our challenge from Jan 1 - 24. After that, it will be put for sale.

Verve Visual With Gratitude

2011-12-28T05:00:00.032-07:00

It's time for a new Midweek Throwdown challenge on the Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps blog, today's challenge is in honor of one of our retiring shippers, Dixie! The challenge is to make Thank You cards for our heroes to send home to their family and friends.

Dixie has passed on her duties as an Operation Write Home Shipper to Caro after serving for two years - and we wanted to do something special in her honor to say THANKS for all her hard work and dedication! I hope you'll have time to play along in our fun challenge this week.

Today's card was made with a Verve Visual acrylic stamp set, embossing powder, Spellbinders dies a Stampin' Up! Canvas background stamp and a scrap of black and white digital paper and beautiful organdy ribbon. I love making bows with organdy ribbon! I really like the way my card turned out except for the dots of black embossing powder in all the places I didn't want it. Now I remember why I like black pigment ink and clear embossing powder, lol! That's what I get for using so many digital images anymore, I'm out of practice with my heat embossing technique.

Have a blessed day a & thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:

Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps - Thank You
Cooking It Up With Katie - Anything Goes
Crafty Creations - Gratitude
My Mum's Craft Shop - Anything Goes
The Paper Shelter - A Tied Bow

Stretch & Bubbles Once There Was A Snowman

2011-12-26T00:02:00.041-07:00

I have a fun card to share today using Stretch & Bubbles "Once There Was A Snowman" digital image that's actually for our Seems A Little Sketchy challenge #3.

I sized this cute digital image to fit the focal point of sketch #3 and then cropped a snowflake out and added it back into the image to make it wider. That might be too much information but... that's what I did (: The image is colored with Copic markers pictured below:

You might be wondering where I used the E49, I "enhanced" the three brown Dew Drops before adding them to my card. The patterned papers are made by Basic Grey from the Eskimo Kisses collection. The other papers are Nut Brown, Copic X Press It & Neenah Kraft card stocks and the snowflake is a die made by Die-namics. I also used Papertrey Ink's envelope liner die, it's a nice way to use up some of those left over scraps of designer paper.

I hope you are enjoying this holiday season and have some creative time so you can join in our sketch challenge at Seems A Little Sketchy! Our design team has more wonderful sketch samples on our challenge blog, see you there (:

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:

Seems A Little Sketchy - Sketch #3

Merry Christmas 2011

2011-12-25T05:00:00.014-07:00

Merry Christmas from sunny Arizona!

I don't have a card to post today as I'm spending time with our family but I do have a couple of family photos.

My oldest son stopped by the other day wanting some pictures of his brother and sister with him so I was happy to do that. I'd love to have those myself! As you can see Maxine needed to be in the photo too.

And when we were done it was time to play!

Merry Christmas!

Accordion File Purse

2011-12-24T05:00:00.010-07:00

I have a gift item to share with you today.

The holidays are here and we all need a little something for special people in our lives.

I've been holding this one back for awhile now, it was a birthday gift for a friend of mine. I stuffed it with cards I've made and didn't want her to possibly see it early and ruin the surprise.

I've had another one of these accordion file purses on my desk forever. It's been waiting to be "re-made", I originally wanted it to be large enough to fit A2 sized cards so I could fill it and give it as a gift. The first one I made using Maria Bell's tutorial isn't big enough to hold A2 cards but it is perfect to hold my printed digital images that need to be colored.

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas with your family tomorrow and thanks for visiting my blog!

Challenges:
Cooking It Up With Katie - Anything Goes

Christmas 1912

2011-12-22T05:00:00.045-07:00

I have some fun cards to share with you today. We were watching Antique Road Show the other night on T.V. and there was a man who had a binder full of post cards from the early 1900's that was appraised at $5000.00. They were in pristine condition and just beautiful. That sparked a thought in my mind and I got up and went down the hall to retrieve the box of cards my Grandfather had saved...

1 cent post cards were very popular in the early 1900's. This is a Christmas postcard received by my grandmother Estella Fisher Hunnicutt in 1912. I scanned these and have the back too.

I believe she was born in 1903, so she would have been 9 years old when she received this card. She died in 1933 from a brain aneurism when my Dad was 6 years old.

I'm not sure of the date on this one, some are easier to see the dates than others. Scanning them actually made a lot of the post mark dates easier to read.

My cards are not in pristine condition, but I think they're a real family treasure and very inspiring to me as a card maker.

This one in person is a lot more interesting, it's a hologram and changes and sparkles when you tilt it this way and that. The date on the bottom front is 1908.

I have an old dress shirt box full of my Grandmother's post cards, I'll share more later. There are some wonderful Valentine's and other occasions cards.

Have a blessed day!

Lily Boo's Boy Story 5

2011-12-21T05:00:00.028-07:00

We have a new Midweek Throwdown challenge at Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps today and our theme is BIRTHDAY CARDS!

I used a Lily Boo Designs digital image for my card, it's already been shipped to Operation Write Home so I don't have any Copic marker colors to list. My guess at the cardstock colors are Via Vellum Leaf Green, Stampin' Up! Brilliant Blue, Basic Black and Neenah Solar White.

With just a few days until Christmas my blog post is quick, lots to do, lots to do!

I hope you have time for our Birthday Cards challenge at Operation Write Home Stars & Stripes,

have a great day!

Challenges:

Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps - Birthday Cards

The Clip Art Fairy Cool Valentine Cats

2011-12-20T05:00:00.000-07:00

I have one more fun Valentine using The Clip Art Fairy's pre - colored "Cool Valentine Cats" today. The deadline to have our Valentine's to our Operation Write Home shippers is December 31st.

I used Operation Write Home's Sunday Sketch #82 as inspiration for my card layout.

God Bless You in this busy busy holiday season -

D.J. Inkers Seasons Greetings

2011-12-19T05:00:00.031-07:00

I have a Christmas card to share today, I mass produced 80 of these recently for our church.

Here's a trip through part of the process.

The image is pre-colored from D.J. Inkers that comes in the set "Season's Greetings".

As a card maker one can't have too much help with a mass production project. Inky the cat is doing her part, she's in charge of quality control. Quite honestly her all time favorite thing to do with my cards is find the envelopes and lick the glue off of them (:

Thanks for visiting my blog today!

Challenges:

Crafty Boots - Christmas
Weekly Christmas Card Challenge - Christmas Non Traditional Colors
Dream Valley Challenges - Christmas
Gingerloft - Christmas

Copic Marker Maintenance

2011-12-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

Do your Copic markers look like this? Ewwwww...

I thought I'd take a little time today to delve into maintaining our Copic makers.

Have you ever been coloring and noticed a fleck of something on your image and wiped it away only to have a (usually red for me) nasty smudge on your work? Can you see the wet and dried ink above the nibs and in the caps of my makers? Those little bits of dried ink can fall off on what you're working on and create ugly smudges when you try to wipe them away.

That's where maintenance comes in:

What you see here is a box of Copic marker refills, the refill needles, 91% Isopropyl Alcohol, Copic blending solution, used cotton balls, a couple of small containers to hold cleaning solutions and a taken apart Copic BG72 marker.

I use the alcohol on cotton balls to clean my Copic marker barrels and caps. I also have a clogged marker nib every once in awhile and I use the alcohol to soak the nib in to see if I can get it unclogged before I replace the nib. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. The 91% alcohol is much cheaper than the Copic blending solution so I use it first and have had great success with it for cleaning.

This picture is just a closer view of soaking a clogged marker nib. It never truly came clean so I replaced it with a new one.

I hope my blog post today was helpful to you, thanks for visiting my blog!

Hero Arts Operation Write Home Blog Skip

2011-12-16T14:00:00.001-07:00

Welcome to our Operation Write Home Hero Arts blog skip, if you've arrived here from Yolanda's blog you're on the right track. If not and you'd like to start at the beginning click here to be directed to the Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps blog.

My card uses one of the newest OWH/Hero Arts sets. This set stayed on my desk for awhile and I kept looking at it and seeing patterned paper so I gave into the urge to ink up the entire set in it's packaging and stamp it on a sheet of Kraft cardstock. I thought Operation Write Home's sketch #99 from this last Sunday would be the perfect way to use my "background".

Be sure to leave comments because...
OWH is giving away one of each of the Hero Arts stamp sets, and the 3 winners will be picked from all comments on all the blogs in the skip - the more blogs you comment on, the more entries you have! Winners will be drawn Sunday night.

Your next stop in our skip is Julie at

"Handmade by Julie".

Thanks for visiting my blog today!

Challenges:

Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps - Sketch #99

Notes From Home

2011-12-15T05:00:00.044-07:00

What a totally busy time of year!

My blog post today is personal, I don't have a card to share but I did get a photo of my husband and kids decorating the Christmas tree last night.

I've been avoiding doing this blog post but want a place for our friends and family to check in and keep up to date if they'd like.

We received news Thursday December 8^th at my husband Rick's doctors appointment, about his prostate biopsy from 21/2 weeks ago. The results were positive for prostate cancer, the good news is it is contained to the prostate right now so it appears to be in the early stage. We have an appointment with an oncologist in Lake Havasu City (35 miles away) the 29th of December and then a follow up with his urologist after the first of the year on Jan. 5th, we'll need to make decisions about his treatment at that time. We came home with the book 100 Questions & Answers About Prostate Cancer from the doctor’s office, it has lots of information, questions and answers about prostate cancer, treatments, expectations, etc.

We've both finished the book and have talked a little about treatment options. He's narrowed it down to having his prostate removed or radiation therapy where radioactive seeds are implanted in the prostate to kill the cancer. We'll talk with an oncologist next and be more informed of our options locally then I'm sure.

Please keep our family in your prayers.

Thanks for visiting my blog today.

The Clip Art Fairy Cool Valentine Cats

2011-12-14T05:00:00.027-07:00

It might seem a bit odd ten days before Christmas to be making Valentine cards but that's what our newest challenge calls for at Operation Write Home Stars and Stamps for our Midweek Throwdown challenge! The deadline to get our Valentine's to our shippers is December 31st.

I used Operation Write Home's sketch challenge #96 for my layout and a Papertrey Ink acrylic stamp set for sentiments along with a little Basic Grey paper to go with my Neenah Red Pepper Linen and Basic Black.

My second card uses another image from the Cool Valentine Cats clip art set, I thought I'd set this one aside for my husband.

I hope you'll join our Midweek Throwdown challenge at Operation Write Home Stars and Stamps this week!

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:

Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps - Valentine's

Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps - Sketch #96

A Day For Daisies Angels Resting

2011-12-12T05:00:00.036-07:00

My card is for our Stamps R Us "Angels" challenge that starts today! The last challenge of the year for us, our team is taking a very short break to celebrate Christmas with our families so this challenge will last three weeks, ending the evening of Januray 1, 2012. One lucky card maker will win a fabulous prize package from Tammy at A Day For Daisies!

I used our sponsor A Day For Daisies Angels Resting digital image and colored with Copic markers pictured below:

My sketch layout is Splitcoast Stampers sketch challenge #296. The cranberry colored panel is made using Copic R89, Colorless Blender and an acrylic stamp. The card stock colors I used are Basic Black, Copic X Press It, Discount Cardstock's Royal Blue & Neenah Kraft. I added Stickles Ice to the wings and used a couple different Cuttlebug embossing folders.

I hope you'll have some crafting time and will join in our challenge at Stamps R Us!

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:

Stamps R Us - Angels

Delicious Doodles Poppy

2011-12-12T00:02:00.030-07:00

I'd like to introduce you to Poppy today, she's a digital image from Delicious Doodles our sponsor for our second sketch challenge at Seems A Little Sketchy.

She's colored with Copic markers and the patterned papers I used are from Basic Grey Offbeat and Basic Grey Jovial as well as Copic X Press It, Basic Black and Color Mates Mist cardstock.

I had a little trouble with my BG72 Copic marker while coloring this image. Wouldn't you know it was the last thing I was coloring too. I think I got something on the marker tip that clogged it because I couldn't get it to blend. I decided to keep the image and move forward use it on my card.

I hope you'll stop by our Seems A Little Sketchy challenge blog to see all the fabulous sample cards our design team has made using various Delicious Doodles digital images and be inspired to play along!

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:
Cooking It Up With Katie - Anything Goes

Copic Making Backgrounds/Papers

2011-12-07T05:00:00.023-07:00

I took some time today to play with a new (to me) technique I've wanted to try. I watched a video recently on how to do a bleaching technique with Copic Blending Solution, stamps, markers, air brush, etc.

The card above is my finished product, the Spellbinders Labels 14 is where I used this technique. Instead of pulling out my air brush I used BG13 & BG15 markers. I was in a hurry, I needed to clean up and fix dinner for my family. It's a little streaked but I like the overall effect.

Here's a picture of the right way to do the technique. Air brush with your markers BG13, BG18, BG72 onto a sheet of card stock. Spritz your stamp with Copic Colorless Blender and stamp on the air brushed card stock. I held my stamp down longer than I would have if I were using ink. Be sure to clean off your stamp after each time you use it for a clean impression.

One of the reasons I brought out my air brush system today is I was working on finishing my card and couldn't find a matching button to go on the tag I'd made. Do you ever have that happen? I used a small piece of foam tape to hold my button down to the paper I air brush on and sprayed it with several coats of BG13 and let it dry. This works so much nicer than using a marker to color the button and dries much quicker too. Another thing I tried today was using the BG13 marker to outline the edge of the Spellbinders tag, I went over it several times to make it darker. I like the way it looks and think I'll try to remember to do this more often.

The stamps I used are actually rubber and acrylic stamps. The dragon fly is by Stampendous, the flourish is by Kaiser Craft & the sentiment is from Papertrey Ink. The dragon fly is colored with Copic markers BG13, BG15, BG18, BG23, V15, V17, T5, T3. My layout was to accommodate the largest Spellbinders Labels 14 die, I also used a Spellbinders Oval and tag die. The white panel is embossed with a Cuttlebug Swiss Dots embossing folder and I added straight lines in the center with my Scor-Pal.

I hope you enjoyed my mini tutorial and are maybe inspired to try this Copic technique yourself.

We also have a new challenge starting today at Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps, our theme is "Create A Background". I hope you'll join in and play along in our challenge there.

One last thing today- I want to THANK YOU for visiting my blog. I started my blog in May 2007 just for fun and am thrilled at how many visitors I have each day. I'm getting close to 100,000 visitors and wrote my 1000th blog post yesterday. So... thanks for visiting and leaving encouraging comments, it means a lot to me.

Challenges:

Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps - Create A Background

Grace Assembly of God Pastor's Note Cards

2011-12-06T05:00:00.041-07:00

Would you believe this is my 1000th blog post! I can hardly believe it myself, I started my blog in May 2007 and had no idea I'd still be blogging in 2011 almost 2012. I'm also getting closer and closer to 100,00 visitors, pretty exciting stuff!

It's a busy time of year at our house and I bet it is at yours too! I've been working on some note cards for our Pastor recently and have these two designs to share today.

I've made welcome booklets and note cards for our church for a few years now using the church logo. It's fun to take a sample of art work like the logo and make something paper craft related with it.

My blog posting this month may not be as regular as usual, we have lots of different family things going on. Band and Choral concerts, Christmas plays etc. Not to worry I'm still here behind the scenes, I'm planning to enjoy the holiday season with our family and I hope you will too.

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Lil Inker Designs Holly Jolly Tree

2011-12-05T05:00:00.054-07:00

Would you look at that?! No coloring...

I just noticed that as I saw my card on my computer screen, that's very unusual & I like it!

This is the first card I've made using this new die and stamp set from Lil Inkers. I used scraps of some Basic Grey paper that was in the pile beside my cutter, it was a 12 X 12 sheet and the right color. My layout is Operation Write Home's sketch challenge #96. I haven't had my Stampin' Up! Word Window punch out for a long time. I also used a Cuttlebug embossing folder with Christmas ornaments on it, three Dew Drops, Memento Coco ink and the cardstock colors are Nut Brown, Stampin' Up! Garden Green and Cream Linen. What a fun sketch for this image/die!

I suppose I should add this sketch is from November 20, 2011. I can't keep up with all the sketches and challenges that pique my interest, but I always enjoy the inspiration they bring.

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:

Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps - Sketch #96
Crafty Boots - Anything Goes
Polly Craft - Christmas Fun
Ginger Loft - Christmas
Cooking It Up With Katie - Anything Goes
Bling It On - Christmas
Christmas Cards All Year Round - Anything Goes
Rainbow Lady's Challenge - Christmas
Catch The Bug - Anything Goes

Notes From Home

2011-12-04T05:00:00.027-07:00

My blog post today is more on a personal note instead of craft related. I was on my way to bed the other night and thought I'd share my discovery with you...

As I walked into our dark bedroom I could hear snoring... my husband was still out in our living room watching t.v.

I quietly slipped out of the room and got my camera...

Oh Maxine you are so busted, lol.

She was happily sleeping on my husbands pillow, after all it is almost 11:00 PM - past her bedtime.

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Clear Dollar Stamps Snowman Cheer

2011-12-02T05:00:00.016-07:00

I have a winter themed birthday card to share with you today!

I used the Clear Dollar Stamps pre-colored digital stamp set Snowman Cheer and the gingham digital paper is from their Violets digital stamp set. I simply re colored it to match my snowman.

My layout is from the sketch pictured below:

It was a quick, cute, fun card to put together!

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:
Kaboodle Doodle - Bundle Up for Winter
Birthday Sundaes - Birthday Card
By The Cute & Girly - Let It Snow
4 Crafty Chicks - Birthday

Dover Publications Free Clip Art Angel

2011-12-01T05:00:00.029-07:00

I'm behind again on Christmas cards, each year I usually make Christmas cards for our church and I've barely started working on the samples, yikes!

I went looking around the internet for suitable colored clip art to purchase or for free for this project and found this beautiful Angel at Dover Publications. She's printed using my HP OfficeJet 6000 and matted on Stampin' Up! Brilliant Blue, the next panel is Stampin' Up! Gable Green and the base is the same Mohawk Bright White she's printed on. I added a Cheery Lynn Designs button with a little crochet thread for a bow. I'm not totally happy with the embossed card front, I want full coverage and I didn't get it. With a little more practice I'm sure I can achieve that.

My layout is Operation Write Home Sketch challenge #82.

Do you have your Christmas cards ready yet?

Thanks for visiting my blog today!

Challenges:
Craft Your Passion - Tis The Season
Crafty Boots - Anything Goes
Heart Song Inspirations - Banners and/or Buttons
Lolipop Crafts - B is For... Buttons (:
2 Sisters - Holiday

Doodle Pantry 12 Days of Christmas

2011-11-30T05:00:00.030-07:00

I have a few fun Doodle Pantry projects I made earlier this month to share today. Our challenge that starts today at Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps is to use a digital image and I thought these would be perfect. Digital images are so versatile and Doodle Pantry has already colored images as well as line drawings we can color ourselves.

We've just celebrated Thanksgiving and Christmas will be here before we know it and I always needs gift tags!

I made a coordinating card too, I LOVE circular sentiments and just couldn't stop experimenting!

Be sure to stop by Doodle Pantry soon to see all of the fun digital images Laurie has to create with! Also I hope you'll play along in our Operation Write Home Midweek Throwdown challenge!

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:

Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps - Use A Digital Image

Penny Black Mimi In Paris

2011-11-29T05:00:00.008-07:00

I have a fun card to share today that I made last summer...

I used the acrylic stamp set by Penny Black called Mimi In Paris, she's colored with copic markers and I made a frame to go around her using Spellbinders dies.

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:
Crafty Boots - Anything Goes

Sketching Stamper Waiting...

2011-11-28T05:00:00.030-07:00

I'm so happy to have had the opportunity to color this wonderful digital image by Sketching Stamper. We start a new "embossing" challenge at our Stamps R Us challenge blog today and Sketching Stamper is our fabulous sponsor! You really should click the link above and go check out her images, you'll love them I promise <3

I used Copic markers to color this sweet image that's called "Waiting", I also used Copic refill YG11 for the grassy area.

It never ceases to amaze me how many markers end up on the table that need to be put away when I'm done. I guess all the other supplies that make their way out surprise me too...

...there's more I just cropped it out of the photo!

I hope you enjoyed a little bit of Copic inspiration and will stop by our Stamps R Us challenge blog to see all our different & fabulous design team cards and play along in our challenge!

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:
Incy Wincy - Trees
Make It Monday - Anything Goes

Bug A Boo Stamps Little Penguin

2011-11-28T00:02:00.004-07:00

I have a fun card to share with you today for a new sketch challenge blog called Seems A Little Sketchy. It's a twice a month challenge and I'm one of their new design team members!

I was provided this cute penguin image from Bug A Boo Stamps, Jodi is our sponsor for this sketch challenge so you know there is going to be a fabulous prize package!

Here's a picture of the sketch I used for inspiration and below you'll find the Copic marker colors I used to color my penguin.

I also made up this sketch as an A2 sized card to add to my box of cards for Operation Write Home.

I hope you'll stop by the Seems A Little Sketchy challenge blog and see all the fabulous cards our team has made and join in our challenge too!

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:
Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps - Love You
Creative Craft Challenges- Free For All
Party Time Tuesdays - Snow Us What You've Got

The Paper Shelter Leprechan

2011-11-27T05:00:00.022-07:00

Here we are with my March mini calendar page layout, isn't this digital image by The Paper Shelter cute?!

My layout is super simple to showcase the cute image from The Paper Shelter and also the calendar from the Clear Dollar Stamps Year Round Calendar digital stamp set.

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:
Creative Craft Challenges - Free For All
Sassy Cheryl's - Anything Goes

Dilly Beans Framed Girlie

2011-11-26T05:00:00.007-07:00

I have a clean and simple card to share today using a Dilly Beans digital image. She's called Framed Girlie and she's colored with Copic markers. I really like the look of these digital images with their big eyes to color!

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:

Whimsie Doodles Penguin

2011-11-25T05:00:00.028-07:00

I have another cute Whimsie Doodles image to share with you today, this one is called Penguin and I colored it with copic markers. I added a photo of the colors below.

I'm hoping I'm not too late to enter into their "Tag You're It" challenge for the chance of a guest designer spot in January 2012.

The patterned papers I used are Basic Grey Offbeat, cardstock is Copic X Press It, Nut Brown, Color Mates Mist & Astro Brights Galaxy Gold. The tag die is from Papertrey Ink and the snowflakes are Die-nam-ics. I added a little Stickles Ice and covered it with Glossy Accents for sparkle.

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:

Whimsie Doodles - Tag You're It
One Stitch At A Time - Anything Goes
Pan Pastel - Frosty & Bright
Crafty Emma's - Snowflakes
Creative Craft Challenges - Free For All
Party Time Tuesdays - Snow Us What You've Got

Doodle Pantry Quirky Turkey

2011-11-24T05:00:00.026-07:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

I thought Doodle Pantry's Quirky Turkey would be very appropriate for today so I've been saving my card to share till now.

I used the pre-colored version of Doodle Pantry's Quirky Turkey digital stamp set along with two of the digital papers that come in this fun set. My layout is Sketch n Stash #74 challenge pictured below:

I really enjoy working with the sketches from different challenge blogs, I don't usually get to enter them into the challenges though, I get behind.

I hope you are having a wonderful Thanksgiving day with your family and friends!

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:
The Corrosive Challenge - Give Thanks
Catch The Bug - Give Thanks
My Sheri Crafts - Be Thankful
Paper Cutz- Lets Talk Turkey
Pattie's Creations - Thanksgiving or Birthday
The Stamping Boutique - Thanksgiving

Inspired Stamps Birthday Celebration

2011-11-23T05:00:00.033-07:00

Inspired Stamps is celebrating their first birthday!

Antoinette asked if I'd like to join in their celebration and show some of the cards I made while I was on her Inspired Stamps design team and you know I said yes!

I had a hard time choosing just one so I have an assortment for you!

Inspired Stamps come as acrylic stamp sets.

She has a nice selection of Bible verses as well as cute characters.

Perfect for Christmas cards...

Operation Write Home cards...

Or any other occasion you like to make cards for.

There's also a sale going on to celebrate Inspired Stamps first birthday! Through November 30, 2011 you'll get 40% off your highest priced stamp set in your shopping cart!

Thanks for the opportunity to celebrate with you Antoinette and Inspired Stamps!

Challenges:
Stamp, Scrap & Doodle - Embossing
Inspire Me Fridays - Anything Goes
Hooked On Crafts - Dies & Punches

Clear Dollar Stamps Fall Birthday Critters

2011-11-22T08:00:00.001-07:00

Welcome to our "Celebrate Life Blog Hop" in honor of our friend Katie who passed away November 7th after a long battle with cancer. If you've arrived here from Trudy's blog you're on the right track. If not and you'd like to start at the beginning please click here.

My birthday card today was made for one of Katie's twin boys.

I used the Clear Dollar Stamps Fall Birthday Critters pre-colored digital stamp set and one of the digital papers that comes in the set. It was a quick, cute, fun card to make!

The next stop on our hop is the fabulous Barb!

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:
The Hybrid Chick Card Caravan Challenge #6 - Birthday Theme

Tiddly Inks Something Warm

2011-11-21T05:00:00.030-07:00

I've been having a great time coloring images that I've had for awhile but haven't had time to play with! This cute little snowman is a digital image from Tiddly Inks called Something Warm. He's colored with Copic markers pictured below.

My layout is from I Heart Sketches November 2011 and I broke out some of my Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses patterned papers too. The sentiment is from my computer, I looked for just the right one in my stamps and didn't find it. I'm spoiled I made my own.

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:
Tiddly Inks - Anything Goes
Moving Along With The Times - Let It Snow
Shelly's Images - Anything Goes
I Did It Creations - Snowmen
Make It Monday - Anything Goes
Pollycraft Monday - Christmas Fun

The Paper Shelter Crocodile Love

2011-11-20T05:00:00.022-07:00

I have another fun calendar page to share with you today!

I've been working on a small desk calendar for 2012 and this is my February layout. I merged two images Clear Dollar Stamps Year Round Calendar and The Paper Shelter's Crocodile Love to fit the sketch I wanted to use and went to work.

The scalloped border is a new Spellbinders die I've acquired but haven't used much yet. The cardstock colors are SU Taken With Teal, Basic Black, Neenah Red Pepper Linen & Mohawk Bright White. I added a strip of black and white gingham ribbon and punch the holes I'll need with the bind It All.

Have a blessed day -

Challenges:
Crafty Ribbons - Anything But A Card
Squiggles & Giggles - Anything But A Card

Whimsie Doodles Snowman Soup Tag

2011-11-19T05:00:00.032-07:00

I have a fun card I made with the Whimsie Doodles Snowman Soup digital image. I plan to enter my card into their "Tag You're It" challenge which also has the possibility of winning a chance to be their guest designer for January 2012. I'd like that!

I colored this cute image with Copic markers and have the colors pictured below.

I've been using a lot of BG70 - BG75, I have a ream of cardstock and Basic Grey Offbeat patterned papers that matches so nice!

I also used Spellbinders and Sizzix dies and colored white organdy ribbon with my BG75 Copic marker so my ribbon would be a perfect match.

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:

Whimsie Doodles - Tag You're It ****
Tuesday Throwdown - Circles
Top Tip Tuesday - Tags
CCEE Stampers - Use 2 Die Cuts or Punches
Moving Along With The Times - Let It Snow

Clear Dollar Stamps Tall Trio

2011-11-18T05:00:00.019-07:00

I'm not on the Clear Dollar Stamps digital design team anymore but I still have so many of their wonderful images I haven't had a chance to play with yet! My card today uses the digital stamp set Tall Trio, there are two other images that come as line drawings and pre-colored that are really CUTE too!

I had a little boy's birthday card in mind and thought the elephant would be perfect. I also used the striped digital paper from this set along with SU Brilliant Blue, Via Vellum Leaf Green, Neenah Red Pepper Linen & Mohawk Bright White. For a little texture I embossed the Leaf Green panel with a Cuttlebug embossing folder. Now I just need to figure out what goes on the inside...

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:
Wee Memories - Birthdays & Parties
I (heart) To Stamp - Sketch
City Crafter - Four Legged Friend
Paper Minutes - Children's Birthday
Digi Doodle Shop's Best - Red & Green
Paper Crafting Journey - Embossing

Yolanda's Car

2011-11-17T05:00:00.017-07:00

Since I'm not on as many design teams right now I've had more time this month to make cards using images I've collected but been too busy to do anything with. Today's card is one of those (: This fun image was made by one of our Operation Write Home blog admin team Yolanda and is a freebie she has on her blog Imagine Make Share.

The image is colored with Copic markers in the Blue Green family most likely BG11 - 13, the designer paper is digital by My Time Made Easy, the sentiment is from a Papertrey Ink acrylic stamp set and my layout is Splitcoaststampers sketch challenge #355.

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:
Make It Monday - Anything Goes

Dilly Beans Framed Girlie

2011-11-16T05:00:00.029-07:00

In my travels around blog land recently I found Dilly Beans Stamps and I'm captivated! If you've visited my blog very often you know I like to color people with big eyes and fun hair.

I re sized my Framed Girlie digital image to fit a card front so I could make a one layer CAS card with her. I must say the hair is a lot of space to cover at this size and was challenging for me. I don't feel like I got all the lines of demarcation gone to my satisfaction but I can print this image as many times as my heart desires and keep practicing because it's digital. I do like the size of her eyes though - so it's a trade off.

She's colored with Copic markers and I added eyelashes to her eyes using Copic multiliners and a white gel pen. Megan K. Suarez is the talented artist of these images and in her paintings her ladies have fabulous eye lashes so I thought I'd give it a try.

My card today also works for our Operation Write Home Midweek Throwdown challenge - the theme is "Any Occasion" with no sentiment. She's going in my OWH box (:

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:

Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps - Any Occasion No Sentiment
Creative Craft challenge - Minimalistic

Bug A Boo Stamps "Make It Snappy" You Are My Sunshine

2011-11-15T05:00:00.033-07:00

I'm back with another Bug A Boo Stamps "Make It Snappy" image today, I think these are so cute! This one is called "You Are My Sunshine", how fun!

If you've read my blog for any length of time you might think I like coloring "sunshine" and you're right - I do (: The Copic markers I used for my image are pictured below.

My layout is Operation Write Home's sketch #93, I used three different Cuttlebug embossing folders and a little Stickles Ice with Glossy Accents over it for super shiny teeth. The cardstock colors are Copic X Press It, Mohawk Bright White, Discount Cardstock's Royal Blue and Astro Brights Galaxy Gold.

Totally fun card to make today! Thanks for visiting my blog -

Challenges:

Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps - Sketch #93
Challenge Up Your Life - Friendship
Paper Crafting Journey - Embossing
The Pink Elephant - Embossing

Crafty Sentiments Vicky

2011-11-14T05:00:00.035-07:00

We have a new challenge starting today at our Stamps R Us challenge blog, the theme is "Bling It On" and our sponsor is Crafty Sentiments!

Our team was given four of their digital images to work with and boy are they cute! My first choice is "Vicky", she's colored with the Copic markers listed below.

My layout is Operation Write Home's sketch #93, I used a couple of scraps of Basic Grey Off Beat designer paper as well as Nut Brown, Copic X Press It & Color Mate's Mist cardstock. The sentiment is from the Stampendous Birthday Assortment acrylic stamp set.

For the "bling" on my card I added three clear rhinestones, the Color Mates Mist cardstock has a little sparkle in it but it's kind of hard to see in the pictures.

I hope you'll stop by our Stamps R Us challenge blog and see all the sample cards our design team has made using the cute Crafty Sentiments digital images and enter into our challenge too!

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:

Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps - Sketch #93
Crafts and Me - Birthdays
Charisma Cards - Cutesy

Clear Dollar Stamps Year Round Calendar

2011-11-13T05:00:00.005-07:00

Last Sunday Clear Dollar Stamps had a Year Round Calendar blog hop to show all the fun things we can do with their digital stamp set. I was so totally inspired when I was finished hopping I started working on a year round calendar to give as a gift.

I'm making my calendar 5 1/2" X 5 1/2" square. For my January page I used the Clear Dollar Stamps Year Round Calendar set and the Clear Dollar Stamps Snowman Cheer pre-colored digital stamp set and digital paper I used from a different Clear Dollar Stamps set. I changed the color of the gingham digital paper. The warm winter wishes sentiment was made on my computer and the snowflake is a Martha Stewart punch. I have my calendar page punched with my Bind It All, when all the pages are done I'll make a cover and bind my little calendar so it will sit on a desk. I'll show you more as I have them ready!

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:
2 Sisters - Anything Goes
Squiggle Stamps - Anything But A Card
Inspire Me Friday's - Anything Goes
Paper Sundaes - Digital Images

Local Veteran's Day Parade

2011-11-12T12:04:00.000-07:00

Happy Saturday, I thought I'd take a moment to share photos of our local Veteran's Day parade on the main street of our little town. We were waiting for the parade to start in the first couple of pictures.

My husband Rick in his shorts and jacket. Is Arizona in November the only place you can wear a jacket and shorts?

I've always worked on Saturday's so I think this is my first parade in Parker.

Jenny was in the marching band, she's behind the band director in every photo...

My husband's grandson was "most beautiful tot - boy", this is a photo of his son, granddaughter and grandson.

Are you bored yet?!

I was so I started taking pictures of the kids running after the candy... Have a great weekend!

Inkadinkado Angels

2011-11-12T05:00:00.008-07:00

I've had my eye on this stamp set by Inkadinkado at my friend Linda's Sugar Shack in Lake Havasu for several months now and finally gave in and bought it.

I've made two cards with it so far that I'll show you today.

I really like the swirly flowing yet simplicity of the images. They might just be good for a Copic coloring class, who knows?

For my first card I wanted to try Blues in the Copic markers and for my second card I used Blue Greens.

I like them both but I'm more inclined toward the Blue Greens because that's my favorite Copic color family. I also like the wings more on the second card, just a hint of color.

I also looked through my digital sentiments and found several nice sentiments that would go with the angels.

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:
Stamp -n- Doodle - Emboss It
iCopic - Thankful
Crazy Challenge - Something With Wings
Crazy Amigo Challenge - Swirls
Crafting For All Seasons - Texture
Ruby's Rainbow Challenge - Things With Wings
Dutch Dare - Punches & Dies

Veteran's Day 2011

2011-11-11T05:00:00.050-07:00

Happy Veteran's Day -

There is an Operation Write Home Veteran's Day blog hop that starts today, you can click the badge above to take you to the first stop on the OWH Stars & Stamps blog.

My cards today were a fun project the for the Girls Ministry at our church. I was asked by our Girls Ministry leader if I'd like to do a project with the girls for Veteran's Day. She knows I love to make cards and support Operation Write Home...

In an effort to keep it simple for all age groups I chose to use one of Sandy Allnock's fun digital images of her dog Ciara for the girls to color. I printed the image and sentiment on white card stock and cut them apart and scored them. That's what the two cards in the photo are on. We will also be writing "Any Hero" letters in our cards.

I colored two of the cards to use as examples with Copic markers: R29, R27, R24, B24, B28, E04, E02, YR21, E34, E35, T5, T3, T1.

All the cards we colored will be going to Heroes at the VA Hospital in Prescott Arizona.

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:
Celebrate The Occasion - Veteran's Day
The Stamping Boutique - Home of The Brave
Just Inspirational Challenges - Remembrance Day

Doodle Pantry Cute Quail

2011-11-10T05:00:00.043-07:00

I have a fun card to share with you today made with Doodle Pantry's Cute Quail digital stamp set. I used the pre-colored Quail and both digital papers that come in this set and paired it with Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps sketch #93 from October 30th.

I printed the Quail and swatches of the digital papers on one sheet of Stampin' Up! Vanilla card stock and used Stampin' Up! Garden Green and Astro Brights Jupiter Java to coordinate with these fabulous digital papers. I also used a strip of Stampin' Up! organdy ribbon as a finishing touch.

I really like how this card turned out using the Cute Quail digital stamp set and the sketch. It was quick and fun to put together and it fits the Operation Write Home Midweek Throwdown challenge this week as a Valentine card.

Quail you be mine?!

I have a secret to share with you about this stamp set too (:

For a limited time it's a free with purchase set at Doodle Pantry!

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:

Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps - Valentine's

Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps - Sketch #93
2 Sisters Challenge - Ribbon
Creative Inspirations - Anything Goes
Craft Your Passion - Anything Goes with brown
Crazy Challenge - Something With Wings
Digital Tuesday - Anything Goes

Doodle Pantry 12 Days of Christmas blog hop winners!

2011-11-10T04:55:00.001-07:00

Our blog hop winners!!

Winners from the blog hop are announced today.
THANK YOU to all those who took the time to view and comment and enter our hop. We hope you were inspired to go to your craft areas and create some holiday cheer!

For the $10 coupon prizes, Random.org chose linky entries 2, 11, 15, 20, and 21

......who are........

SiskiyouSue, Peggy T., IKE, -Anne-, and Riette And the TWO BONUS $15 coupon winners are chosen from the following blogs: Cat Spicer from commenting on Vicki's blogandSandy from Lorianna's blog

Congratulations!!!

D.A.I.S.I.E. Comany Jacki's Hearts & Sweets

2011-11-09T05:00:00.027-07:00

Our Midweek Throwdown challenge at Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps is to make Valentine/Love themed cards. I know it seems kind of early but the deadline isn't that far away!

For my card I used a pre-colored digital image from D.A.I.S.I.E. Company and a sketch that I C.A.S.E.d from an OWH friend of mine. This card is kind of hard to give you details about because it's not in front of me anymore, it went out in my last box of cards for Operation Write Home. It was a fun card to make though and I hope you'll have time in your busy week to make a card for the OWH Midweek Throwdown challenge.

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:

Operation Write Home Stars & Stamps - Valentines
One Stitch At A Time - Use a Digi

Clear Dollar Stamps Happy Fall Y'all

2011-11-09T04:55:00.009-07:00

We have a winner for our Clear Dollar Stamps Happy Fall Y'all blog hop! I'm happy to announce from Barb's blog, Barb's Best Creations, the winner is Kathi from Golden Paper Dreams. congratulations Kathi, enjoy your goodies from Clear Dollar Stamps!

House Mouse Sunflower

2011-11-08T05:00:00.035-07:00

My card today has been waiting it's turn for a blog post. I colored the cute House Mouse stamped image this last summer but didn't have a nice sketch/layout for it. Last month Splitcoast Stampers had the perfect sketch #355 and I had lots of fun making the card but didn't have a spot for it with design team and fund raiser stuff going on so today's the day.

I'm sorry I couldn't find the scrap of paper I wrote the Copic marker color numbers on. That's one of the pitfalls of setting aside a colored image. The patterned paper was a scrap I'd air brushed with Copic markers and stamped using Copic blending solution and a background stamp.

The other cardstock colors are Mohawk Bright White, Neenah Solar White, Stampin' Up! Pumpkin Pie & Garden Green and Astro Brights Galaxy Gold (the closest I could find to the retired Stampin' Up! Summer Sun). The sentiment is from a Papertrey Ink stamp set called Signature Greetings and is cut out with Spellbinders Mega Ovals and Mega Scalloped Ovals. I added three color enhanced (G28) Dew Drops for balance and the embossed panel is made with a polka dot Cuttlebug 5 X 7 embossing folder.

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:
Inspire Me Friday's - Anything Goes
Challenge Up Your Life - Friendship
Dream Valley Challenges - Anything Goes
Heart Song Designs - Anything Goes
Make It Monday - Anything Goes

Bug A Boo Stamps "Make It Snappy" Happy Birthday

2011-11-07T05:00:00.044-07:00

I have a fun card to share today using a Bug A Boo Stamps digital image that I thought was really neat. It's called a "Make It Snappy" image & I would imagine is for making a quick simple one layer card. You know I struggle with that...

I had a great time coloring this fun birthday image with Copic markers and have a supply list pictured below.

I thought I'd share a little of my card making process with you. Sometimes I feel like I'm always using the same colors so I get out my Stampin' Up! color wheel for a little inspiration. After getting out my color wheel I'll pick markers I think look like the colors on the wheel and test them out on a scrap of white cardstock I'll be using.

And I have a picture of the papers I was thinking of using, Stampin' Up! Apricot Appeal, Ballet Blue, Cameo Coral, Mellow Moss & Basic Black. I'm not sure if these colors are retired or not, I gave up trying to keep up to date with Stampin' Up!

I also used a Sizzix dots embossing folder, a stars embossing folder that came from Hobby Lobby, a little Stickles Ice and 3 D Crystal Lacquer - fun! I like the ease of use and sparkle of Stickles but I don't like the way it feels or that it might come off for my Operation Write Home cards. The solution to that problem for me is 3 D Crystal Lacquer or Crystal Effects. After the Stickles is dry I add a generous layer of 3 D Crystal Lacquer and let it dry, my bling is then nice and shiny and smooth too.

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:
Crafty Catz - Anything Goes
Catch The Bug - Anything Goes

Birthday Sundaes - Birthday Wording
Kenny K's Krafty Girlz - Celebration Time
Paper Sundaes - Rectangles

Clear Dollar Stamps Year Round Calendar

2011-11-06T08:00:00.049-07:00

Hello and welcome to the Clear Dollar Stamps Year Round Calendar blog hop! If you've arrived here from Lorie's blog you're on the right track. If not and you'd like to start with "January" click here.

Our hop today is about inspiring you with different ways to use the Clear Dollar Stamps Year Round Calendar digital set for fun gifts and maybe a little something for yourself too.

This wonderful set sells for $3.50.

I chose to work with the month of May, you might be able to see in the picture that there is a darker yellow circle on the 14th of the month for my daughter's 12th birthday. I sized my calendar page to fit in my vintage Rolodex V546 which takes 4"X6" file cards. I colored the flowers and background with Copic markers Y17, Y15, Y13, Y11, B0000, BG000, B21, B23, BV0000, BV000, BV01, G28, G40, G82.

Here's a top view of the calendar page and the Rolodex file it's in.

There's a prize package being offered by Clear Dollar Stamps so be sure to leave a comment so you're in the drawing to win this versatile digital stamp set! There will be two winners -

The next stop on our hop is the fabulous Dawn!

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:

Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes

Doodle Pantry Twelve Days of Christmas

2011-11-05T09:00:00.042-07:00

Welcome to our Doodle Pantry Twelve Days of Christmas blog hop!

If you've arrived here from Lori's blog you're on the right track, if not and you'd like to start at the beginning please click here.

I should warn you that I really, really like circular sentiments - I used Splitcoast Stampers sketch challenge #356 for my first card layout as well as one of the digital papers that come in this stamp set.

Each of my cards and tags today were made with Doodle Pantry's Twelve Days of Christmas digital stamp set and digital papers.

This fun digital stamp set sells for $4.75.

Be sure to enter your name, e mail, etc. in the linky on the Doodle Pantry blog to be eligible for fabulous prizes...

Prize winners will be announced Wednesday, November 9th on the Doodle Pantry blog.

The next stop on our hop is the fabulous Donna!

A quick note about our Doodle Pantry blog hop prizes:

HOW DO YOU ENTER and
HOW MANY PRIZES WILL WE HAVE?:

Just enter your name, email, (and blog link optional) in the linky at the bottom of the post on the Doodle Pantry blog.
If we have 59 linky entries or less, we will use random.org to select 5 winners for a $10 coupon prize from the entries in the linky.
If we have more than 59 entries in the linky, we will have random.org choose 8 winners for a $10 coupon prize!!

BONUS PRIZES:

And to top all that off, we will be selecting TWO BONUS commenters from all the comments left on two of our Design Teams blogs to win a $15 coupon prize...... no one knows which blog from our blog roll list I will randomly choose a winner from, so just comment on them all to increase your chances at winning a bonus prize!

In case you need help finding your way:

BLOG ROLL LIST:

1. Doodle Pantry Blog HERE (enter linky at bottom)
2. Dawn
3. Lorie A
4. Sarah T
5. Kristine
6. Karen
7. Patti P
8. Elizabeth
9. Kathy
10. Lori Z
11. Jan <--- You are here (:
12. Donna
13. Pat D
14. Amy
15. Vicki D
16. Glenda
17. Sharon
18. Sarah N

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:
Dream Valley Challenges - Anything Goes
Floweret - Christmas
Fun With Shapes & More - Christmas Animals
Mami Doodles - Christmas
Sweet & Sassy - Christmas

Tiddly Inks Always The Flower Girl

2011-11-04T05:00:00.005-07:00

My card today uses a cute digital image from Tiddly Inks.
My crafty friend Dagmar spent some time with me the other day and we colored one of these cute "Always The Flower Girl" images with Copic markers.

While she was here I thought it would be fun to make a card for the finished images and this is what came to mind. We used Spellbinders circles, Cheery Lynn Designs French Flair & French Flair scalloped dies as well as a wood mounted rubber stamp for the sentiment made by Paper Impressions.

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:

4 Crafty Chicks - Die Cuts
Paper Crafting Journey - Use A Digi
Tiddly Inks - Anything Goes

A Day For Daisies Playing In The Pumpkin Patch

2011-11-03T05:00:00.004-07:00

I think it might be time to celebrate! It's November in Arizona - finally :) Our temperatures are cooling off, yea!

My card today is one I colored this last summer when I needed to feel cool, I love A Day For Daisies digital images and I love to color pumpkins!

Thanks for visiting my blog today -

Challenges:
Crafty Contagion - Pumpkin
Come and Get It - Anything Goes
Celebrate The Occasion - Fall - must have a pumpkin